'Mr. Loverman' Paints an LGBTQ+ Love Story in Vivid Colors

When Mr. Loverman debuted on the BBC in October 2024, the critical reviews were laudatory, praising the work of stars Lennie James as Barrington "Barry" Walker, the titular Loverman of the title, Sharon D Clarke as his wife Carmel, and Ariyon Bakare as Morris, Barry's BFF and the man he has been in love with his whole life. However, the particular time, place, and community in which the show was set (London's Caribbean immigrant pensioners) made it a hard sell to American streamers, which is why it took the show winning multiple BAFTAs in May 2025 to get it here in time for Pride Month on BritBox.

When we meet Barry, the septuagenarian is at the pub with Morris, drinking and dancing, but also affectionate only as friends while in public (in private is another matter). Barrington, who is the type of person who is Barry only to his friends, is a dandy, dressed to the nines, a successful businessman, living the immigrant dream of coming to a new country and making a success of yourself. It's also quickly established that Barry not only pays for his new school British mansion, but the lives and educations of his two grown daughters (Tamara Lawrence and Sharlene Whyte, both sadly underused).

But waiting at home in that house is Carmel, the devoutly strict Christian wife, who has spent her whole life in the dark about her husband's tastes. She's been the perfect, presentable, hardworking spouse Barry wanted and needed, and he has loved her for it... as best he can, which as a closeted gay man, is not much. For a series that semi-bills itself as an LGBTQ+ romance, the show is very clear about how badly Carmel has been emotionally used, and how thoughtlessly cruel Barry is about her, especially in his inner monologue.